‘May affect placements’: IIT-B students raise concerns over campus security, political involvement in protest

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) undergraduate students have raised concern over the campus security, and the politicisation of students protest after some individuals from outside the institute allegedly tried to enter the campus.

They have also expressed concerns that some individuals associated with the protest, invited external political figures to the campus.

Yesterday, the Mumbai Police detained over 20 students and their representatives, and allegedly assaulted several others at the IIT Bombay campus during the protest, demanding justice for BTech student Sahil Wakode, who died by suicide after allegedly being caught cheating in the semester exam.

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According to the IIT B for Bharat group, some individuals associated with the protest, invited Varsha Gaikwad, a Congress MP, to the campus. Meanwhile, other political organisations have reportedly organised demonstrations outside the main gate, they added.

“These developments raise two fundamental questions: Who is driving the political mobilisation around the campus?, and what are its consequences for campus security, the academic environment, and the everyday lives of IIT Bombay students?” the group stated.

It also said that the involvement of political student organisations, including NSUI, AISA, AISF, SFI and other groups have raised questions about whether the protest remained focused on seeking justice for Sahil or whether political interests have taken over it.

Furthermore, repeated gate closures and restrictions have created uncertainty about the institution’s normal functioning, the students said.

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Uncertain about campus security: IIT Bombay students

They have demanded that important institutional events, academic programmes, professional interactions, and other planned activities should have to be postponed or cancelled because of uncertainty about the security situation.

“This could also discourage companies and other external organisations from visiting the campus. Many students have previously benefited from direct interactions with company representatives and human resources personnel at such events, helping them secure internships and employment opportunities. As these activities are repeatedly disrupted, students risk losing valuable opportunities through no fault of their own,” they added.

They have also highlighted that students are finding it difficult to maintain their academic routines and facing difficulties entering their own campus.

Some students have reportedly been unable to enter their own campus through the main gate because of the ongoing protests, it said.

This is particularly concerning. Students who reside on campus or need to enter it for classes, laboratory work, research, and other essential activities should not have to face uncertainty about their access to the institute, it added.